City overcame their FA Cup final defeat to Wigan by beating relegated Reading 2-0 at Madejski Stadium to guarantee they finished second in the Premier League.

Goals from Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko were enough for the hosts in their first game without Mancini.

But Kidd, City's assistant manager, said the Italian's departure, following the loss to Wigan, had been tough to take. "I got to be honest, if you were to ask me after what has gone on in the last 48 hours, it has all come as a shock to the staff," Kidd said.

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"I have just come in and been asked to take the team for these two games. All credit to the players. They have had to put up with a lot of stuff and it would have been a travesty if we had not finished second."

City fans sang Mancini's name after their hero had been sacked a year to the day since bringing the title to the Etihad Stadium.